#Chapter 113: Bridges Rebuilt

Aurora POV I almost don’t believe what I’m seeing is real. Gianna stands there in the hallway, wrapped in a plain jacket with her hair pulled into a loose knot at the back of her head. She looks tired, worn in a way I’m not used to seeing her but her eyes flick away from mine almost instantly, her posture uncertain. She doesn’t say hello or smile. She simply stares at the floor beneath our feet before quietly asking, “Can I come in?” My chest squeezes so tightly it’s a miracle I can speak. “Of course,” I say quickly, stepping aside before she has the chance to change her mind and walk away. The fear that she might lingers in my gut like a heavy stone. Her boots click softly against the hardwood as she steps inside. She stays rooted just past the threshold, glancing around as though trying to memorize the space. I shut the door gently behind her, resisting the urge to grab her hand and drag her toward the couch just to make sure she stays and doesn’t bolt for the door.